The Devil's Arithmetic.

Ten minutes before lights out, and I'm still in the pantry tapping on my newfound love, 'Pantry wi-fi'. I love pantry wi-fi.

Arrived around two hours ago, managed to get a taxi and stuff and make it back in time to iron my uniform for tomorrow and unpack and stuff.

Haven't posted in such a while because I've been quite occupied with not doing anything except reading Ultimate Spiderman and watching trailers of movies I would love to watch and watching Sherlock and other television shows that are probably a complete waste of my time.

Chinese New Year this year has been amazing, because I didn't fall miserably sick (unlike last year) and because there were hardly any awkward questions asked this year. Wish I could've had a chance to write about it in greater detail, but I didn't have time to write about my past week as each day passed, so details are a bit blur.

Flight back on Friday after school CNY celebrations, which meant only an hour and a half of English (the module which I'm going to be failing this year) that day followed by celebrations and slacking and stuff.

Reached home late, slept, woke up, went on errands (collecting CNY cakes and biscuits and then delivering them as gifts to relatives and things like that), came back, watched an episode of Sherlock with my mum and brother, slept, woke up, went on more errands, had awesome CNY eve dinner (really, really awesome because my grandmother is an amazing cook), slept, and then open house-d and CNY commenced for real.

I love CNY because it gives us all a reason to come together and eat and have fun and visit each other and tell jokes and laugh loudly without a care in the world. Beautiful concept.

And I did not go hungry at all.

Also managed to cram in some reading. 'The Devil's Arithmetic' by Jane Yolen. Honestly really moving. You read about all these things that happened during the wars (and I've read only a handful of these books and seen a handful of these movies) but you'll never be able to imagine the sheer horror of having to live in those times. So what do we do? Do we remember and admire the painful times the older generations have had to endure, or do we cast aside and forget all the terribleness? I think it's better to keep in mind horrors of the past, because things that happen deserve to be remembered, because they cannot afford to happen again.

Okay, long post, need to shower now.

Night.

P.S. Brunei's population is so small, almost everybody knows everybody else second degree. It's crazy.

Racist werewolves.

Bit of a break before study time actually starts. Have a Spiderman versus Doc Ock sketch I want to finish, but I'm not bothered at the moment, because I'm having one of those moments when you wake up, glance at last night's work and realise everything went wrong and you really can't draw.

It's quite hard getting used to the new roll call timings, but it's not as bad as I thought it'd be so far. Haven't missed anything yet, thankfully, but after three years it's been hardwired into my brain to roll call at 8 pm and 10.30 pm on regular school days, and at 11 pm on weekends. That's just the way we've adapted to life here. And now everything's all harum-scarum because there used to be time after study time to do things we had to (such as laundry, and now the gate to 7B is locked after 9 pm, which really sucks even though they promised us access until late).

Listening to 'We're In This Together' by Nine Inch Nails, because I heard it in the Avengers' movie trailer and I couldn't take my mind off it. It's quite awesome, really. Makes you want to develop mutant powers/build an awesome suit of armour/throw yourself off buildings recklessly because you can fly.

I think the closest I'll ever get to superhero status is being able to fit in their costumes and look good (and being a good person with moral values, of course). I mean, have you seen female superheroes? Tight, skimpy clothing, enlarged chest areas and tiny waists. It's probably because since many of the people who read these things hardly have a social life and hence probably no girlfriend, so it acts as compensation. I don't know, but that's what I think.

Besides, hot chicks = greater sales.

Only two classes today (not counting Medicinal Chem, because it's an elective and I totally crashed it since I'm probably last on the waiting list and today'll be the only time I'll be allowed to do that).

Had Math first thing in the morning after mentoring (with our really cool mentor), and I realise I really do miss Mr Chia. Two years of Math with him, and sometimes you kinda miss it when it hits you and you realise your teacher isn't Mr Chia. I'm going to have some hard time with my working presentation, I think.

It's fun though, because our assignment is due a week after the Math honours' class's assignment. Yeah, smart people, but at least we're taking it easy and at a sweet, leisurely pace.

Had English afterwards. Essay writing skills and I'm scared. I don't know how I'll be able to keep up with expectations, given I now have the vocabulary of a three-year old non-native English speaker and I know about as much world politics as a tree stump.

Spent time after that in the TV room playing this game called 'Werewolves of Millers Hollow: The Village'. Quite fun.

Okay, almost study time now. Better go and be productive.

Adieu.

P.S. Braiiinnns. I need braaaiiinnnssss.

Ben.

I've seem to have lost the ability to post, really, which is quite a shame, considering how long I've been doing this.

Once again, I'm here by the door so I can get some peace from the LAN-ness. It's not much, but at least the wi-fi connection here is strong enough to get me by.

Been sleeping quite a lot lately, which I think is a complete waste of time. The strange thing about sleep is that it's quite addictive once you've experienced the sensation of getting enough sleep. Tsk tsk.

Went out with Wai Yin on Saturday, where we went to this place called Turf City and met up with Clara to go trail riding. I think I've found a Singaporean equivalent of the Polo club (or at least, the Empire area, where all the white people/well-off foreigners go).

So like, pretty cool experience, even though I was all sore yesterday from being on horseback after like, a forever. Awesome instructor, too, 'cause Clara got this sort of whiney guy and Wai Yin got this dude who could only speak Chinese. And the horse I rode was such a sweetie, 'cause he came up to nuzzle me (or use me as a towel, I'm unsure) after the hour was up.

The Internet connection right now is quite pathetic, and it's gotten really humid lately. Really sucks.

Spent all day yesterday just moping around in my room, reading Spiderman and wasting time on the Internet trying to pick up world events (and then getting distracted by useless pieces of news such as how to stack salad) and also stalking people on Facebook (because I like to see how great other people's lives are and then give myself a reason to be bitter and lonely).

Also watched an episode of Sherlock (because everyone seem to be watching it, and because Fatehah told me to ages ago and I promised). So, so good. Some scenes were so reminiscent of the original stories I found myself grinning like an idiot and wanting to cling to whoever wrote the script and cry like a baby. Yeah, mixed emotions.

I think the series has brought Sherlock Holmes into life again, and yes, he'd totally be that way if he were real and alive today. In short, I loved it.

And I'm even more keen on seeing Martin Freeman as Bilbo now (as if I wasn't ridiculously keen before) 'cause it's cool to see a familiar face. Goodness, the Hobbit.

School today was ordinary. Had Chem with Dr Li, and then Mol Gen with our Korean exchange teacher, both lessons in which I felt less stupid than during the last because somehow my intelligence grew over the weekend. God knows.

Interesting topics.

And that was it for the day because Year 5 is amazingly slack and I quite enjoy it.

All right, I'm going off now. Both wi-fi and weather failing me.

P.S. CNY in less than a week. Goodness, time flies.

Diagnostic criteria for internet addiction.

Found this on BBC news, browsing around for some bits of strange news.

Do you feel preoccupied with the internet?

Yes, yes I do. Always, constantly, the Internet is the very essence of my soul.

Do you feel the need to use the internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?

Yes, but sometimes no. When I can sneak a glance at Twitter, I do, but sometimes when I stop using the Internet I don't for many days, like a hermit escaping the world.

Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop internet use?

Yes.

Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop internet use?

Yes, but only when dealing with hostel Internet limitations. When I'm at home, I'm completely fine.

Do you stay online longer than intended?

Definitely yes.

Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the internet?

Thankfully no, not yet.

Have you lied to family members, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the internet?

Also no, not yet.

Do you use the internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a distressed mood (eg feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety and depression)?

Sometimes, but then again it makes me even more depressed when I read news about terrible people doing terrible things.

Participants answering yes to questions 1 to 5 and at least one more answer were classed as suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder.

Source: Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction adapted by Beard and Wolf.

In short, I am an addict.

Like, please, first thing I did when I found out about Internet addiction was to post it on my blog, Tweet about it, and then almost post about it on Facebook. Help.

The thirteenth.

It's official. I love being in the pantry for wifi. It's not as private as being in my room or anything like that, but it gets me good, strong wifi connection and that's what I need most at times.

How sad is it that my mood lightens when I see that Twitter interface? Man, I need to seek professional help.

Also, I can't post on LAN Internet connection either, so like, I have to find some wifi to get my posts online.

I need my social networking. I swear it. It's quite sad, really, but I like to come back and get online. Twitter, Facebook. I think I need it to feel alive again. Call it addiction, but that's how I get on with life sometimes.

Haven't posted for a few days, and I feel quite behind in my updating and talking about things that have happened recently. Had our first Physics lesson yesterday, where we breezed through three and a half ridiculously simple chapters (for Physics), along with our first PE session, where we desperately tried to lost some weight and gain some height last minute so it wouldn't look to bad on our records.

Going to jump around for a bit because my brain can't process information in chronological order right now (because I'm high from laughing too much at Mr Xie's epic post on our Media Club Facebook wall, amongst other things).

Only one lesson on Wednesday, which was an hour of Math (major, which I can't stress enough because it's so slack compared to the honours class it's quite awesome indeed). Played pool until ACE, which doesn't count as a lesson because it's, well, Affective Character Education. I really do quite like my class at the moment. Still missing the old 05 but this one is great too.

All three sciences yesterday, so had Chem, where I felt really stupid, followed by Animal Physio, where I found it hard to follow because I spent most of my time trying out that ridiculous finger movement thing Mr Seoh challenged us to do (and then said I wasn't a musician because I didn't have the "precise finger control of a pianist", which really offended me), then Physics, then PE. Which might be a science, too, who knows.

Math-ed and English-ed today, and during English I found out that I really do know nothing of the world. I care nuts about politics, and sometimes I think I know things, but honestly I don't. I need to seek enlightenment, but instead of embracing asceticism like Buddha, I'll probably just hang around more news websites and stuff.

Then had CCA, which I love. Oh, CCA, I love CCA. It's going to be an awesome year for Media, and I swear to you we will make it so.

Had dinner with Bruneians (Fatinn, Fatin, Yee Rou and Faiz), talked about new junior, talked to new junior because then we met him at the bus interchange. He's a nice guy. I like him.

Okay, going off now.

Night.

P.S. Oh finally, weekend again.

P.P.S. I miss not having Malay. How strange is that?

Set Fire to the Rain.

It's a Tuesday. Oh yes it is.

Only two classes today, which was like yesterday, except that now it's repeated it's quite very the awesome. I mean, compared to the packed-ness of Year 4 this is complete heaven. I feel as if I'm getting enough sleep, too, since we can now go back and nap in the afternoons to our hearts' content.

Mentoring first thing in the morning, so Ms Dass brought us out to the canteen and draw things that represented us on sheets of paper and so she could have some coffee while she waited. Drew a stick figure and labelled it "yawen" and then doodled Spiderman because I really couldn't think of anything (and since I started on Ultimate Spiderman a few days ago it's all I can do to stop thinking about it. I'm afraid I've turned quite obsessive).

Come to think of it, I realise I got the uniform shading partly wrong and the webbing was too fine. But everybody learns from mistakes, and practice makes perfect. Besides, I'll probably never be able to reach the perfection that is those professional graphic novel artists.

Anyway, trying to read as much Spiderman and The Avengers as I can before the movies come out, so I won't feel so ashamed when I call myself a fan.

After mentoring was Math, so we made our way to 01 (because the Honours people get to stay while we leave) and did some stuff about limits. Oh goodness, hope it doesn't get too complicated. It usually starts off like this, where you think you can follow the lesson and a bit of hope blossoms in you, but then it gets all asdjabdahksdbansd and then you're all like lost and confused and in danger of flunking.

English was great, except now I realise I know absolutely nothing about politics and I don't give a damn, but if I want to pass this module I have to at least try. So doomed.

Went back and slept after class, then had an uneventful dinner session (actually all dinners are eventful, but since they're eventful all the time, they become uneventfully eventful, if you know what I mean).

Okay, off now.

Adieu.

P.S. I miss M11405. No lie.

Finality.

Reading this right now and it's reinforcing my love for Daniel Handler and his lovely genius with words. And his quotes are so true. You can't deny that, even though they sound atrocious at times and make you want to shake your head in disbelief, but they are true.

So like yeah, first proper day of lessons today (CCA fair day did not count because we only had one class and it was like, diagnostic test-y). Spent my weekend walking around the Orchard area because my mum and aunt were over to do some pre-CNY shopping (CNY good, shopping not really) after rushing off after our CCA fair.

Oh yeah, CCA fair 2012 was awesome. Our banner was brilliant. Here's a picture. Thanks to all the people who helped out to paint it over the course of orientation and the hours counting up to the event. One of the best so far I think, because our poster is awesome too, and we totally shamelessly advertised. So much pride for Media right now. I love how we love our CCA to bits (unlike some of the other CCAs where people feel like crap every CCA day because they know they have to show up), and I love how we take so much pride in being in Media. We work hard and we know it. It doesn't matter if people think we're slackers or that we do nothing. Because by the end of the day we're the ones who've had the most fun doing what we do.

Anyway, back to first day of proper lessons. Managed to wake up on time, thank goodness, but then reached the track way earlier than we usually do. For years we've sat at the concourse waiting for the bell to ring, but today we were there before the bell rang and everyone was all confused because we were amazingly punctual and did well.

Had a Chem briefing right after morning assembly, where Mr Murali told us about expectations and such, because since we're Honours students we aren't allowed to do that badly. And no, no Olympiad for me. I don't want to kill myself.

Then had the actual Chem lesson with Dr Li. Yeahey, Dr Li. Pin, Daryl and I wrote "Media <3" on the name list she asked us to pass around, because we really do love our CCA.

Not bad, but have managed to forget everything from Year 3, all the way from hybridisation to nomenclature. Uh oh. Thanks to Jia Hong for helping me recall things.

Molecular genetics was quite uneventful. Have this Korean exchange teacher, so his accent was a bit off (but not incomprehensible), but honestly, hardly anyone could catch anything, because this is a bewildering topic meant to confuse young minds.

Then had no class, then hung around the Fibo room for a while, then collected O-level results.

I will never have to take Malay in school ever again. Oh goodness. I feel accomplished. Back when I came here, I thought I didn't have to deal with Malay, but I did, and now it's over. Heck that was fast.

I am so thankful I passed. So, so thankful. Aisyah and I were practically prepared to cry.

Shocking results, and I feel sad because a lot of people were quite badly affected by the results. It's a terrible day.

Okay, going off now.

Good night.

P.S. Still no sign of new junior. I'm starting to doubt he's even coming.